Do the Rangers already regret trading Nathaniel Lowe after this move?

It's certainly a surprise move out of Texas despite overall hitting struggles in 2025. To that point, the Rangers have a combined team OPS of .652, which is fifth-worst in all of MLB. 

There's no doubt Burger has contributed to the offensive malaise in Arlington, with just three home runs and a .558 OPS to his name. The veteran first baseman has never been much of a contact hitter over his career (.246 average), so if the power isn't there, Burger's not a particularly useful player. 

Further complicating the issue around demoting Burger to Triple-A, however, is that the Rangers had a perfectly solid first base incumbent in Lowe prior to trading him to the Nationals. 

The 29-year-old was an integral part of the 2023 championship team and an above-average hitter by OPS (.791) and OPS+ (122) during his four years in Arlington. 

In exchange for Lowe, the Rangers acquired lefty reliever Robert Garcia from Washington, who admittedly has been good thus far (2.03 ERA in 16 appearances). But was Lowe worth the sacrifice for a decent reliever? The hitting statistics don't appear to validate that choice in the early going.

Meanwhile, Lowe has continued his slugging ways in DC, with six home runs and a .786 OPS in 2025. Not exactly a great look for the Rangers.

When Jake Burger does return from his brief minor league assignment, the hope that he can at least provide similar value to what Texas traded away in Lowe. 

For now, though, the decision to change hands at first base hasn't panned out.